Lab 1: Rube Goldberg Machine

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16-311 Introduction to Robotics
Lab 1 Rube Goldberg Machine
Teaching Assistant Nirav Patel
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What is a Rube Goldberg Machine?

• A Rube Goldberg machine is a device that achieves
  a simple task through a process of overly complex
  steps.
• Example

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Challenge Statement

• Build a Rube Goldberg machine that launches a
  ball into a target area
• Ball must be 35-50mm in diameter. Golf balls
  and ping pong balls fit within this
• Target area 2'x2' and 2' away from the machine
• Examples of single energy transfers a marble
  setting off a set of dominos, a candle burning
  through a string, a pin popping a balloon

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Constraints

• Base Constraints 3x 4
• Height Constraints 5
• Cannot use electricity in the forms of batteries
  or wall power. Other forms of power generation
  welcomed.
• Be sure to warn TA beforehand if you are planning
  on large flames or chemical reactions.

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Grading

• A(90) 5 Energy Transfers
• B(80) 4 Energy Transfers
• C(70) 3 Energy Transfers
• D(60) 2 Energy Transfers
• F(50) lt 2 Energy Transfers
• F- (0) No Machine at all ?
• 5 points if the ball lands in the target area.
  (it can bounce or roll out afterwards)?

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Allowances

• Each teams gets two chances to demonstrate that
  their machine works
• Interventions each team is allow two human
  interventions per try, one to activate the first
  energy transfer and one in the event that
  something goes wrong before it finishes

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Bonus Points

• A serial connected machine is defined as one
  whose first energy transfer is initiated by the
  final energy transfer of the previous machine.
• 2 if two teams connect in serial (2 tries, 3
  interventions)?
• 5 if three or more teams connect in serial (2
  tries, 3 interventions)?
• 5 more if the same ball is used across 3
  machines
• Must email TAs with list of groups that plan to
  work together for bonus points by midnight Sunday

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Website

• Each group will create a website that contains
  the following
• Group letter, Member Names, Team Name
• A photo of your machine labeling key components
• A list of your 5 energy transfers
• Send link to lab TAs (andrew IDs on lab website)?

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Deadlines

• Sunday, January 18
• Email TAs with list of bonus groups
• Wednesday, January 21
• By 1030am email link to website
• Demo day! Bring the following
• Your Rube Goldberg machine
• Grading sheet (available on lab website)?